Court Vacates $32 Million Verdict Against BASF, Orders New Trial on Diacetyl Claims

CHICAGO — An Illinois appellate court has ordered a new trial on claims by a worker in a flavorings manufacturing facility that he contracted a serious lung disease from exposure to diacetyl supplied by BASF Corp.

The Illinois Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled Oct. 4 that the Cook County Circuit Court erred in directing a verdict in favor of the plaintiff on statute of limitations issues and in ruling on certain evidence and jury instructions.

The court declined to limit the scope of any new trial to BASF’s liability, as the plaintiff urged, saying that the …